Former Barcelona prodigy opens up on Camp Nou exit this summer — “Feeling of joy at Monaco” | OneFootball

Ansu Fati’s departure from Barcelona this summer marked the end of a chapter that promised so much, but was ultimately derailed by a series of injuries.

Now a Monaco player after the Ligue 1 side paid €11 million to sign him permanently, the striker is looking to rediscover the continuity that has eluded him in recent years.

Speaking to Diario AS, Ansu opened up on leaving Barcelona, his adaptation to French football, and his hopes of returning to the Spain national team.

Ansu reflects on his Barcelona exit

Ansu Fati is happy at AS Monaco. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The Spain international admitted the move brought about a mixture of emotions, given his long association with the club.

“When I signed with Monaco I had both a feeling of sadness and a feeling of joy. I have been at Barça for many years and I leave many friends and people who work at La Masia.

“Everyone has written to me, sent me messages and I have also said goodbye. The first days were sad, but it’s life. We have to accept what is coming and keep looking forward,” Ansu said (h/t Diario SPORT).

He credited Monaco’s faith in him as key to rediscovering his best form, especially after a difficult time with injuries.

“It’s thanks to the confidence that the club showed for me last year, since I arrived, how well they received me, the treatment of all the people. I tried to give my best to always be able to help the team and I think that’s what I did.

“I think I had continuity, which is the most important thing, which is what I always ask for. To be able to play, to be available almost all season, which is what I work for, and if I achieve that I think the other thing will come by itself,” he added.

The explosive forward went on to talk about his fitness, having suffered a lot with injuries throughout his career.

“I feel like if I’m physically well, everything else is going to come. In previous seasons I have not been able to have continuity due to injuries. It’s what I’ve lacked the most in recent years: continuity and consistency.

“A lot of people relate me to injuries. Many seasons I’ve been suffering because of it. It’s life and I accept it. I try to do everything to be well on the pitch,” he said.

Recalling his breakthrough at 16, Ansu said: “A lot of things happened to me that people don’t know. It’s very difficult to get injured, to be out for 10 months and then come back, play well, and then be out for three months again. That’s how it’s been for three or four years.”

Can Fati return to the Spain national team fold? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“In the end, your body also has to adapt to many things. I’m happy with what happened to me, for everything I experienced at the club. Maybe I would change something a little, but it’s fate.

“I accept it. That’s how it happened and nothing happens. We have to look forward,” he added.

He also drew a parallel with Lamine Yamal, whose rise “did not surprise anyone at La Masia.”

Eyes on a Spain return

Beyond club football, Ansu made clear his ambition to force his way back into Luis de la Fuente’s plans.

“That’s my goal too, to keep working, to be able to play and be available almost every game. If I succeed, I think there will be no doubt that I can reach the level I want,” he said.

Reflecting on Spain’s World Cup triumph, he credited La Masia’s influence.

“It’s an idea of play that since we arrived at Barça they have implemented in us. You’ve been working on it since you were very young and that helps us understand the game. It is almost always the same. That is the key,” he concluded.